Sociology Article Commentary

Excerpts from the Paper

The beginning:

Sociology Article Commentary
Bengtson (2001) challenges the commonly-advanced sociological view that the modern nuclear family is in decline and argues that, in fact, multigenerational bonds are increasing in importance due to increased longevity, increased diversity of relationship types and functions, and the emergence of what he calls intergenerational solidarity (p. 1). At first glance, Bengtson’s work appears to be counterintuitive, as it has long since passed into both the popular and the academic consciousness that the pressures of modernity and postmodernity are tearing the family apart. However, Bengtson makes an engaging argument for the contrary position.
Bengtson’s data is drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Generations (LSG)....

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..... means is that the bonds of solidarity with mothers have not been frayed by mothers’ transition to the workplace. Rather, mothers have fulfilled their traditional role while also generating other forms of solidarity with their children.
The broad conclusion of Bengtson’s work is that the LGT data discloses the continuity and strength of interfamilial and intergenerational bonds of solidarity. The family is not in fact in danger, and claims to the contrary may be more indicative of political projects to marshal voters to social causes rather than serious reflections of sociological truth.
References
Bengtson, V.L. (2001). Beyond the nuclear family: the
increasing importance of multigenerational bonds. Journal of marriage and family, 63, 1-16